---
title: "MLS star Cavan Sullivan debuts adidas’ 3D printed cleats"
url: https://www.voxelmatters.com/mls-star-cavan-sullivan-debuts-adidas-3d-printed-cleats/
date: 2026-07-31
modified: 2026-08-03
lang: en
author: "Tess Boissonneault"
description: "Despite Fifa's recent and highly controversial private equity plan, which soccer associations all over the world have deemed a threat to the beloved sport, it's not all bad news for..."
categories:
  - "3D Printed Footwear"
  - "3D Printing Processes"
  - "Consumer Products"
  - "Sports Equipment"
tags:
  - "future"
image: https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/cavan-sullivan-adidas-640x426.jpeg
word_count: 454
---

# MLS star Cavan Sullivan debuts adidas’ 3D printed cleats

Despite Fifa's recent and highly controversial private equity plan, which soccer associations all over the world have deemed a [threat to the beloved sport](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/31/fifa-world-cup-privatisation-consultation-sell-off-plan), it's not all bad news for soccer fans this week. Just months after sporting giant adidas unveiled the very [first 3D printed soccer cleats](https://www.voxelmatters.com/adidas-3d-printed-soccer-cleats-have-arrived/), the innovative shoes have debuted in a professional game for the first time. Wunderkind Cavan Sullivan, a 16-year-old Philadelphia native who holds the record for expensive homegrown deal in MLS history, wore a pair of the 3D printed cleats on July 23rd for a match between Philadelphia Union and the New York Red Bulls.

The 3D printed shoes are part of adidas' new Project R.A.P. (Radical Athlete Perception), an ecosystem for producing custom 3D printed sports products. So far, Project R.A.P. comprises 3D printed soccer cleats (or football boots) and 3D printed basketball shoes. The latter, [dubbed BB.01 Additive](https://www.voxelmatters.com/adidas-bb-01-additive-basketball-shoes-launch-next-week/), officially launched to the public (in a limited series) on July 14 for $250 a pair.

[![MLS star Cavan Sullivan debuts adidas](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/adidas-soccer-2.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/adidas-soccer-2.jpg)

There is no word yet on when the 3D printed cleats, which integrate a unique lattice structure optimized for comfort and support, will be available to consumers. However, we do now that at least a few professional players have been wearing them on the pitch.

While Sullivan, who is contracted to transfer to Premiere League club Manchester City when he turns 18, was the first to wear the 3D printed shoes in a professional match, he is not the first to be spotted in them. Back in late March, Atletico Madrid attacker Ademola Lookman was spotted at a training session wearing the distinctive footwear. Paris Saint-Germain left winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia also tested out the shoes and provided vital feedback to adidas in the product's development.

[![MLS star Cavan Sullivan debuts adidas](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/adidas-soccer-cleat.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/adidas-soccer-cleat.jpg)

[![MLS star Cavan Sullivan debuts adidas](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/adidas-soccer-3-340x191.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/adidas-soccer-3.jpg)

According to a [recent piece](https://www.footyheadlines.com/9974364117/lookman-and-kvaratskhelia-set-to-wear-new-adidas-3d-printed-boots-in-26-27-season.html) by *Footy Headlines*, both Lookman and Kvaratskhelia will be wearing the custom 3D printed soccer cleats during their respective 26-27 seasons. With Atletico Madrid's next fixture, against Málaga, on August 19th, and PSG playing Rennes on August 23rd, you can be sure we'll be tuning in to see if the innovative 3D printed wearables will be on their feet.

[Speaking to the *New York Times*](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7468746/2026/07/25/cavan-sullivans-adidas-3d-printed-boots/) about selecting Sullivan to be the first to debut the shoes in a pro fixture, Alasdhair Willis, Chief Creative Officer at adidas, said: "Innovation at adidas is about creating the best for the athlete, at speed. Project R.A.P. is an innovation platform focused on how we deliver feel of movement and a bespoke fit in sports performance products that is progressive and unlocks true athlete benefit. Cavan is the perfect athlete to showcase the potential of this innovation—a future star on and off the field, an open and curious mindset, matched with an exciting playing style."